This paper presents four different problems of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) with matrix cracks. They include an evaluation of material constants and the stiffness matrix of a unidirectional lamina with bridging cracks. A nonlinear stress-strain relationship for a lamina subjected to an increasing uniaxial tension is derived accounting for the process of a continous crack density change. Forced and free vibrations of woven ceramic matrix beams with matrix cracks are also considered by assumption that the dynamic stresses are sufficiently small to neglect their effect on the stiffness. Finally, theoretical foundations of thermography for a woven ceramic matrix beam are discussed and a closed-form solution for the surface temperature presented as a function of the matrix crack spacing and other parameters. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.